The Montreal Alouettes have signed national receiver Hergy Mayala, American defensive lineman Avery Ellis, American defensive back Mike Jones, American defensive back Tyrice Beverette.
“We signed young players that will bring a lot of energy to our team, including another player that will have the opportunity to play in front of his close ones in Hergy Mayala,” said Alouettes’ general manager Danny Maciocia in a press release. “I am really happy with the talent we added to our football team. Although, our work is not done, I like the direction we are taking.”
Mayala spent his first two seasons in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders who selected him in the first round, eight overall in the 2019 CFL Draft. The 26-year-old caught 67 passes for 846 yards and five touchdowns in 29 games since the start of his career. In his rookie year in 2019, he impressed with 562 yards on 38 receptions and five majors.
The six-foot-one, 208-pound target made 113 receptions for 1,352 yards and 12 majors in 42 games during four seasons with the University of Connecticut Huskies. His 113 receptions place him sixth all-time in the school’s history. Born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mayala was raised in Montreal.
Ellis amassed 129 defensive tackles, 18 quarterback sacks, and forced two fumbles in four seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks over four seasons (2017-21). The 27-year-old even scored a defensive touchdown during his rookie season with a 30-yard fumble return.
In 2018, the six-foot-two, 250-pound pass-rusher played in the Grey Cup game, registering three defensive tackles. The Newark, N.J. native played collegiately with the Temple University Owls.
Jones has played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers since his rookie season in 2019, winning two-straight Grey Cups. In 2021, he made 46 tackles and two interceptions in addition to two forced fumbles.
The five-foot-ten, 189-pound defender played for the North Carolina Central University Eagles and the Temple University Owls. In 2018, the 26-year-old defensive back signed as a free agent with the New York Giants.
Beverette helped the Hamilton Tiger-Cats reach the Grey Cup the last two seasons. In 22 games since the beginning of his career, the American collected 16 defensive tackles and 27 on special teams, in addition to a quarterback sack.
In 2018, the six-foot, 203-pounder was a member of the Cincinnati Bengals. The 27-year-old played collegiately for the Stony Brook University Seawolves.
